Llawhaden Castle

Castle Norman-period castle ruins in Pembrokeshire countryside

Medieval Llawhaden Castle in Pembrokeshire stands as substantial stone ruins within a village setting; people visit for historic architecture and riverside walks.

Main image

Llawhaden Castle is the ruined fortified palace of the bishops of St Davids located in the village of Llawhaden in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The remains include parts of a great hall, curtain walls and defensive earthworks from its medieval phase.

The complex was developed from the 12th century onward and underwent significant fortification and enlargement in the 13th and 14th centuries when bishops turned their palaces into defensible residences. The site functioned as an administrative and residential centre for the diocese.

After medieval decline the castle fell into ruin and now survives as an evocative group of masonry and earthwork remains illustrating the combination of ecclesiastical status and military architecture.

Llawhaden Castle stands in the village of Llawhaden in Pembrokeshire, occupying an elevated position within the rural landscape of west Wales.

  • Bishop's castle: The castle was the fortified residence of the bishops of St Davids and combines ecclesiastical and military architectural features.
Llawhaden Castle
51.8224, -4.7976

How to Get to Llawhaden Castle #

Llawhaden lies about 6 miles east of Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire. Reach the village by local roads (signposted off the A40) and park in the small village car parks; the castle is a short walk from the lane through the village.

Tips for Visiting Llawhaden Castle #

  • The castle is largely intact and atmospheric at golden hour - aim to visit late afternoon for photography.
  • Check for local events: the castle is occasionally used for concerts and historical reenactments which provide extra context.
  • Paths around the riverbank reveal remnants of the medieval town layout that most visitors miss.

Best Time to Visit Llawhaden Castle #

Best visited in late spring through early autumn when the grounds are pleasant and any events are running.

Late spring/early summer
May-June · 10-20°C (50-68°F)
Good weather for exploring the castle's gardens and surrounding countryside.
Autumn
September-October · 8-16°C (46-61°F)
Cooler air and changing leaves; quieter than mid-summer.

Weather & Climate near Llawhaden Castle #

Climate

Llawhaden Castle's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (981 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 31 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
24°
Warmest Month
-4°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

99 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.2h daylight

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

72 mm
Rainfall
6.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.8h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.4
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
13.7h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

62 Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
15.4h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

68 Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 17°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
Very High
16.3h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
13° 19°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
High
15.9h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

64 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
13° 19°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
14.4h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
11° 17°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

84 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
12.5h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
14°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

107 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.5h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (112 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

112 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.7h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.7h daylight

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